Can you think of moments when you had a student ask a really profound question that showed you that they’re actually engaged in what you’re saying? Or when they answered a question that made you realize they understood the key takeaway you’re trying to impart? Kids can—and very much do—surprise us. No matter what their academic level or attitude, there is something inspiring about those beautiful moments when it’s obvious that a student is truly growing on his or her path to college. And there’s no greater feeling as a TXGU educator than to sit back and watch students take ownership of their education.

In Missouri, two students participating in a spelling bee recently took this to an unprecedented level. They stumped the organizers. That’s right—the kids basically trumped the adults. The facilitators ran out of words for them to spell, thus bringing the event to a screeching halt. Now, with many dictionaries very full of words, one can’t help but ask: How are there not enough words to spell? Get the scoop on how these students surprised all the adults in the room. (And you thought you felt unprepared at times…)